- Mistplay’s latest report on How Social & Community Fuels Organic Growth for Mobile Games emphasizes the significance of social aspects in mobile games
- 21% of paying players prioritize a game’s online community before downloading
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In the ever-changing mobile games market of 2024, loyalty app Mistplay identifies retention as the “catalyst for publisher success”, crucial for maximizing monetization.
The report argues that social elements are crucial in a player’s decision to download a game, with 21% of paying players considering a game’s online community before making the initial installation.
15% of paying players are willing to spend more if actively engaged in a community, while ratings and reviews influence 50% of all potential downloads.
Mistplay’s findings suggest that social factors can impact spending behavior, as evidenced by 65% of players discontinuing a game after a negative customer support interaction.
Let the Spending Begin!
The report reveals that 42% of mobile gamers turn to online communities to discover new games, especially sports and casino players. Additionally, 45% of players learn new tips and tricks through these communities, particularly midcore and casual gamers.
While only 23% of players actively participate in online communities, 33% do not participate at all, leaving the majority as passive participants at 44%.
Popular channels for engaging with online communities include Facebook, YouTube, and Discord, with more players interested in Let’s Plays than game reviews at 69% versus 53%.
“A strong social and community presence is vital for mobile games as they significantly influence a player’s decision to download a new title by providing signals of enjoyment, social validation, and relevance,” stated Mistplay’s senior director of organic growth, Justin Gerrard.
“Games lacking engaged communities or perceived inadequate user support can deter conversions based on concerns about legitimacy.
“In a competitive industry with numerous similar titles, the focus on these aspects can have a substantial impact on reaching a wider audience and achieving top category rankings.”
Mistplay’s comprehensive report further explores the differences in player behavior across genres, noting a shift in player spending trends away from RPGs.